Middle and high school chorus students delight audience with a Christmas program
Middle and high school students began preparing for their Christmas program shortly after their fall concert in early October. Last evening, they performed for the Wesleyan community and wowed the audience with their Christmas cheer!
“Right after the fall concert, the first thing we do before we start singing Christmas music is decorate the middle school chorus classroom for Christmas – wreaths, window stickers, lights, and inflatables – even a tiny tree! We begin getting in the Christmas spirit as early as the beginning of October,” smiled Meg Foster, director of fine arts.
Students spent months working hard to prepare for the program and strengthened their collaboration and teamwork.
“We worked a lot on blend and balance in our singing this half of the semester. Each member must listen as loud as they sing. I’m so proud of the teamwork each class showed!” stated Foster.
The seventh and eighth grade chorus worked on teamwork outside of the classroom with a visit to an “escape room” earlier in the semester. They learned to problem-solve and work together as a group, which helped them succeed in the classroom as they collaborated on harmonies and descants within their Christmas melodies.
The fifth grade chorus performed traditional Christmas songs like “Joy to the World” by G.F. Handel. They also performed more unconventional (but beloved) songs like “No School Tomorrow (If It Snows)” by Jay Althouse, a crowd favorite!
The Chamber Singers, which includes freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, performed songs like “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Gustav Holst and “White Winter Hymnal” by Robin Pecknold.
Middle school advanced chorus students performed songs such as “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” a traditional English carol and partnered with the Chamber Singers to sing “Carol of the Bells” by Wilhousky and Leontovich in four parts.
“They stepped up their game and did a great job singing with the high school,” reflected Foster.
Thank you, middle and high school chorus students, for all your hard work. We loved entering into the Christmas season together in joyful song.
